Saturday, October 20, 2012

Four years ago today...

I want to take this day to thank each and every one of you for being here to share our journey with us.
I am profoundly grateful for your interest and support in our house and our lives. I am especially grateful to those of you who take the time to leave comments for us- you have absolutely no idea how much your comments motivate me!

Four years ago I could never have imagined that I would come to know so many like-minded "house people" from across the globe. The world feels that much smaller because we all share the same love of home.

Dan and I greatly appreciate the house-love you give to us.
Thank you so much.

~~~~~~

At four years, this feels like the right time to take a short intermission and unplug for a while. I have more to say and more to share, so I promise to be back soon...
but, until then I will leave you with these fall "around" the house photographs!

Hello Joan, "for the love of a house" stands apart from other old-house blogs, and four years is an impressive accomplishment, both what you have done with the house and how you have gotten your message and inspiration across to your readers.

Please enjoy the Fall season and a break from your blog "duties". Your readers will be looking forward to being invited back into your house and your lives.--Road to Parnassus

Let me be the first to congratulate you Joan...4 years of excellence in blogging...Would you believe...today is my One year of my blog...What a coincidence...I know you are going to get a million comments, on such a beautiful job...The yellow is gorgeous...I did a "yellow" blog the other day, myself...

I don't think I've ever commented before, but I have to say that your blog is one of my favorites. It's a beautiful story of your home. You story makes me want to live in New England and in an old farmhouse. As a lifelong southerner, that's a huge thing!

Congratulations on your four years as a blogger from someone who's barely made a year as one. I love reading about your transition north from Dallas as I have been making my transition south from Michigan TO Dallas. I too moved for love of a house - my grandmother's 1920 historical home near downtown. I hope you enjoy your break.I'll be reading back through those four years while you're gone.

Just beautiful. I remember travelling through Vermont 13 years ago and being so struck by the beauty of the trees (I am Australian, so we don't get the same effect pretty anywhere!). You live in such a beautiful place. Congratulations on 4 years of blogging.

Oh dear, you will be missed! Congratulations on 4 years and enjoy your break. I only recently found you, so now I know that I can while away the time you are away starting from scratch and catching up. Your house and grounds are lovely, so this will be a treat.

oh NO! i just found your blog and i love it and you're taking a break? i guess i will just have to go through all your blog posts from the beginning very slowly... and by the time i'm done, maybe you'll be back to blogging?!

I'm a little sad because I only found you a bit ago (and read all four years worth!), but I can only imagine the energy it must take to keep a blog going. I hope you do come back, but for now I hope you just relax and enjoy all you have created!

Happy Blogging Anniversary!Thank you for sharing your fall images with us.As a California gal who has to seek out the subtle cues of the West Coast changing of seasons, I particularly enjoyed the beauty of all of those Autumnal colors!

I hope you enjoy your little bloggy break. We all need to take those times and replenish...

I have enjoyed following you thees last 4 years! Your beautiful house, spirit, and your wonderful talent and hard work motivates me to see the beauty in my own house as well as nature...from your beautiful fungus things that you find in the woods and people leave at your mailbox, to the bee hives, and the rocks.

Happy anniversary, and here's to many more years! I think yours may be my favorite house blog out of the hundreds I have bookmarked. I'm very much looking forward to more posts, and have a great break!

Joan, your photos of your fall foliage and Ella are stunning. We do not get that beautiful color here in South Carolina. It has been a pleasure to follow along, and I hope your blog break isn't too long. Enjoy your time with Dan and Ella in your beautiful home!

I just found your blog today (by searching for vintage Japanese fishing float display ideas on Google) and am already hooked on it. I am going to enjoy reading through four years of inspiring posts about home remodeling and decor.

I also want to thank you for your inspiring posts. I've only been lurking here for about 6 months, but I've enjoyed (immensely) reading back through your posts and feeling like I was part of your family. You've got a great way of writing and drawing people into your lives. I completely admire the simple way you and Dan live by incorporating the natural world into your home and lives. Enjoy your respite and I hope you'll be back soon. Thank you!

Joan, I've been following your blog for the past two years. Your home is impressive, charming, and totally awesome. I congratulate you and Dan for your vision, your accomplishments, and your respect for each other. Enjoy your break, but remember many are eager to hear your new discoveries.

I'm convinced you live in paradise, Joan! And part of what makes it so, is the love you and Dan have poured into every inch of your home and your land. You've single handedly redefined the phrase "love of a house" for me -- it shines through in each and every photograph and turn of phrase. I stumbled upon you almost two years ago and out of all the "house" blogs I read, your posts in my inbox are the most eagerly awaited.Can't wait to continue the journey with you after you unplug... enjoy your time away! Ella and Dan will relish your undivided attention, I'm sure. :)xo Heidi

I know I am being selfish but I don't want you to take a break! I really enjoy your blog, finding great inspiration in your decorating and house projects. Your pictures today are gorgeous~especially the far off views. Your writing is so gracious. I feel like I have been invited in as a friend. P,ease don't be gone long!

Congratulations on 4 years. That is fantastic. Your home is beautiful and so much inspiration to me. Really, you don't know how often I have been shopping, decorating or doing things around the house, and thought to myself, "Hmm ... what would 'for the love of a house' do?" Please don't forget about us. Would love to see your home during the holidays and winter months. Also, on a side note, we recently adopted a dog. A sweet little, homeless mutt. (Well, she's not so little anymore.) I am not a dog person. Somehow, through 30 years of marriage, my husband and I have never owned a dog. The dog sheds and needless to say, was quite an adjustment at first. But I kept telling myself, if that gal from 'for the love of a house' can have a dog and still keep her beautiful home, then I can too. So thanks to you, and your dog Ella, I have grown to love Gypsy, and our homelife is all the more fulfilling for it. :-)

So thankful you will be staying around after your break. I stop by your blog often, but don't usually leave a comment. When you come back, I will start commenting more, since it helps to motivate you. You certainly motivate us!!!!! We LOVE your beautiful home....AND ....the love of your house:) Enjoy your rest sweet friend and hope to see you again soon. Blessings~~Shine

Location, location, location, what a beautiful spot for your amazing house to be nestled. Congrats on 4 yrs of blogging, enjoy your break & I hope to see you around the blogosphere again soon.Cheers xx

Joan, Dan, and Ella: Congratulations on four years on blogging! Thank you for being such gracious host/ess and sharing your home with all of us. Enjoy your time; your readers will be here when you return. Cindy

Dear Joan and Dan, (and Ella of course!), Thank you so very much for your gift of sharing your home and life with us. Your writing is a pleasure to read, and the photographs like beautiful paintings. I am always inspired and have so enjoyed each of your posts, (yes, even the "Not a Fearless Blogger Kitchen Nightmare" post! Enjoy your break. We shall miss you and eagerly anticipate your return. In the meantime, I think I'll make up a batch of your Pumpkin Cranberry Nut Bread/Muffins...

Enjoy your time away, but I will miss reading your beautiful blog. I am looking forward to seeing your completed barn addition. I live in an old farmhouse in Northwestern Pennslyvania and have used some of your ideas and paint inspirations. I hope we get to see your house decorated for the holidays, even 1 post. Thanks!! Mickey in PA

Thank you for the time and effort you put into this wonderful blog. Your words are so much more than home decor. They are about perserverance, and most of all, following your heart and your dreams. My husband is from New England, and we have lived in Newport, RI on two occasions. We spend time in Maine every summer, mostly along the southern coast (Rt 1), and I enjoy seeing some of the same antique shops and areas in your blog, that we have been to, as well. I am able to relive the majestic colors of this wonderful season via your images, although I will never forget the two falls that we lived through in NE! I wish you a restful and happy break.

Congrats on 4 years! Happy Anniversary! I have been doing this blog thing for 10 months with a blog every single day. It is exhausting! I only wonder if I will see a 4-year anniversary.Beautiful pics. Beautiful Fall foilage. And again, I love your style.Best,Ron @ Uptown Acorn

First of all, congratulations on 4 years of a job SO WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!! Your blog is one of my very faves and I will surely miss you. But I understand about taking a break. These pictures are breathtaking! Every one could be a postcard or magazine cover! Thank you so much for sharing all you do. I will so look forward to your return. You and Dan are an amazing team. XO, Pinky

I "found" your blog only a couple of months ago and I can't tell you how much I love it! My sister has been trying to get me to move out in the country to be closer to family, but I've been hesitant because I think there is so much to do in the city and I don't want to live in a old, creaky house but your blog has shown me how beautiful a country house can be and it sure looks like you guys are never at a loss in trying to find things to do. (hope that last sentence made sense.) Anyway, I love your blog and will keep watching for your posts - so much to think about in moving to the country and you have given me great ideas not to mention beautiful, beautiful pictures.

I love the long shot of Ella in front of the house - it's perfect in so many ways.

Congratulations of four years of producing a very successful blog.

I'm glad to hear that you will be back after a short hiatus, and hopefully during that time you and Dan will take time to do something exciting together {travel?}. The adventures of your house build has inspired so many people, and like all of your followers I look forward to reading more about you, Dan and Ella.

I know it takes a lot to bring as much to your blog as you do so I can understand wanting a little more Joan time in your day. That being said, I will really miss your blog showing up bold in my GReader. Your pictures take to me a part of the country I have never visited and the trees are surely God's work this time of the year. Take care and see you back soon, I hope. You will be missed until then!

I think you should take that photo with your home embedded in the trees and have someone paint that. Lovely. Love your blog. Sweet photos with the dog and the way the light is coming through the trees. Lovely.LisaLeeshideaway.blogspot.com

Joan, these photos are the exact reason I want to visit New England this time of year!! You not only write great inspirations, but you show those inspirations through your photographs!! Thank you for being open enough to share your home with us, and enjoy your time 'unplugged'!!

Thanks for opening your home to us for four years and sharing your accomplishments and delight in beauty. That next-to-last photo should be a painting - maybe Hudson River School? (Have you ever tried turning a photo into a 'painting' a la Photoshop? It's fun for someone like me who would love to paint but has no artistic skills.) Enjoy your break. Will look forward to hearing from you again on the other end.

Congratulations on your four year anniversary. As many other 'newbies' here, (not even to our one year mark yet) that seems like a REAL accomplishment.Your blog is lovely, and you and Dan and Ella will be missed. But I understand completely the need to take time off and feed your soul. Rest assured that you will be welcomed back with open arms whenever you are ready. As you can see by all the wonderful warm comments left for you here. :)

Oh, this makes me so sad! But if you need to recharge, good for you! Just don't stay away too long! ;-D

These are beautiful shots. I really love the one with your house in the center. I know you must be proud (and a little tired) of all the work you put into your gorgeous home and I've loved following along!

Congratulations, Joan, and thank you for bringing your lovely blog into my life. Kudos to you, Dan and Ella for creating such a charming home and letting us in to share it. Enjoy Fall in New England.XO, Victoria

Good Afternoon Joan, Congratulations on such a wonderful blog. I have been reading your blog for a long time, but have been one of those people who have stayed in the shadows I'm afraid. I'm so sorry to leave a comment when you are taking a break, but I just wanted to say, your home is beautiful and thank you so much for sharing it with us all. Have a lovely relaxing break. Best Wishes Daphne

Dear Joan, I will miss you too. I do understand the need for a break and hope that your batteries get recharged and you want to come back. I think your blog is one of the outstanding blogs that I draw inspiration from and love how true you are to your style. Enjoy your break.

Such beautiful photos! Your blog is wonderful and I hope I can keep mine up like you have! I cannot fathom having as many followers as you do…what a wonderful testament to your blogging abilities and the people that really care!

Congrats on four years! I love your blog -- I find your posts extremely inspiring... And those photos are breathtaking -- especially the last one of your house -- it reminds me of autumn at my alma mater in MA. Thanks for sharing with us! xoxo Amal

Joan,Congratulations on 4 years of sharing! I'm so happy to have been a part of the journey for even a short while.The views from and at your home are breathtaking...so take some time and enjoy your view.

Oh my, your Fall photos are magical! As you know, here in Texas the leaves go from green to dull brown. Thank you for sharing. Congrats on four years. I have loved every post. Can't wait till you come back.Gayle

You took me down Memory Lane with your pictures. I hope you enjoy your break, but please, don't disappoint us and be gone too long. That would be such a disappointment as your blog posts are the fuel that our engines need for inspiration for our own homes.

Congratulations on 4 years; I've been reading for approx. 3 years and you are the best blog - seriously the combination of your photos and text is simply wonderful! Enjoy your well deserved break and look forward to your return.

Joan, Dan, Ella,I would like to tell you thank you for your blog. I'm grateful that I got to see your beautiful home and surroundings. It is without a doubt my favorite. I will truly miss your posts and I will look forward to your return. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and inspiration and please return. Best regards, Wenda

Dearest Joan... Who will I have morning coffee with now? I will miss you profusely, but I understand the blog-break! I can't wait to hear of your journeys and stories when you return! Happy Resting to you, Dan, and Ella!xo, Emily

Joan, I know exactly what you mean, needing to unplug... Time is the one commodity that is actually priceless. You can never get it back... As Sally's and my interior design business continues to rebound keeping up with it all is exhausting. Go relax and enjoy these glorious indian summer New England days. You'll know when the time is right to come back...

Hi Joan, I have been reading your blog for as long as I can remember. Your house is stunning and where you live looks beautiful. It all looks amazing in every season. I am from Sydney Australia and we don't get a change in the season as dramatic as you do. I will miss your blog whilst you take a break... Although it is well deserved! Just don't be too long! Mel

THANK YOU so much for enriching all of our lives, but especially mine. I started searching for bloggers who love their home like I do several years ago and yours was one of the first I found...and by far my favorite! Every time I see a new post of yours, I smile:) Your home is absolutely lovely and your devotion to it, each other, and sweet Ella comes through in every word you write. I actually emailed you asking for places to "junk" in Dallas and you responded, which was so nice. One of my very favorites is White Elephant...I've found many a treasure there. Lately I've become addicted to Craigslist...there are definitely treasures to be found there if you hunt enough. And the hunt is half the fun, isn't it?! My Mom, who lives in Georgia, is also a big fan. She's a painter and has painted several of the pictures you've posted. Needless to say, we are both happy to have found you!

By the way, this city girl (who's been single for a very long time and on the tail end of raising two boys), has met and fallen in love with a true Texas cowboy...and we're moving to the country (sort of). We've purchased acreage in Keller, Texas and are in the process of designing and building our dream home (and barn). I plan to use many of your idea, stains and paint colors in my new home. Although our home will be made mostly of stone, your house serves as my inspiration. I love the treasures you've collected over the years and your ability to make something out of nothing (like the whiskey barrel orbs). I love the stories you post about how things come to you and your many unexpectedly found treasures. I read and reread many of your posts again and again...and love to stare at the pictures you post. The fall in New England is indeed breathtaking!

I know I'm rambling here, but I just wanted to let you know how much you are appreciated by those of us who look forward to your musings. We are all as grateful to have found you as you are to have our attention!

Joan, as I got to the part of your post on Saturday that said "this feels like the right time to . . . ", I thought "No! Don't tell me you are leaving us!" I was relieved to see that it is only for a (short, yes???) while. I echo all the comments above and can't tell you how much I have loved getting to know you and Dan and Ella and your beautiful home. Luckily for me, I never tire of your posts and often spend time just getting lost and inspired in your older posts, most of which I have read numerous times. I am back here today even though I know I won't be hearing from you for a while and I will continue to do that until you return. Your blog just makes me happy :). So enjoy your time away, but know that we are all out here anxiously waiting for you.

Congratulations - as a 30+ year resident of Dallas (who was reared in NE Ohio) I know the stunning contrast, in every way, between life here in North Texas and life where you are. It's such a pleasure to hear YOUR awe-filled delight at living and working in Vermont. I'm not sure I could be as humble and generous as you are if I'd accomplished what you have! Wishing you a joy-filled holiday season with family and friends, in your lovely, lovely home...

In the fall of 2008 I stumbled upon the first design blog I'd ever seen - and - I was hooked! A few months later I discovered your wonderful blog and it has become a hands down favorite. But, despite all my blog reading, I am not a "commenter" (even though I've LONG felt I owed you a thank-you for the infinite pleasure your blog has given me.) I held my breath when I read "At four years, this feels like the right time..." But, I knew that at close to 4 years as a reader, that it was PAST time to tell you how VERY much I have enjoyed every single one of your posts. I am constantly amazed at the creativity and accomplishments of you and your husband. When I see that you have a new post, I KNOW I am in store for a pure delight. I love seeing and reading about your beautiful home and property. As a dog-lover, I always enjoy hearing about Ella. Your posts inspire, influence and educate me. They are, always, a true pleasure. Thank you so very much for generously sharing your world with all of us!

Enjoy your down time, I often 'unplug' from the electronic world to recharge my senses so to speak. If we don't see you until next year, have a Happy Halloween, a Happy Thanksgiving, A very wonderful Merry Christmas, and a most Happy New Year!

I knew you would have great fall photos...we've been house hunting and I can't tell you how many times my mind has come back to yours! 'veI wanted an old house my whole life, but I'm just not sure it's going to happen...at least I can always visit yours!

Wow! The photos of your house among all of the colorful trees are amazing! I really enjoy your blog and know that you must be having a great time living in the country after living in Dallas for so long. I also really enjoy the shots of Ella helping you on all of your projects. ;-)

Congratulations Joan! Four years! I just celebrated 3 myself. Enjoy your intermission time to unplug and enjoy the holidays. I look forward to your return and many more inspiring posts from you. ~Delores

I have spent the past week or so reading your blog from the very beginning! I have enjoyed every post and every picture and love seeing and hearing about Ella. Enjoy your well deserved break but pelase don't be gone too long!

I LOVE your style, your design, your decor, your talent and your beautiful home! :) Great work and great detail! You are one amazing designer!

Can you answer a beginner at making a house a home question about curtains and curtain rods!?! I'm clueless about what type of fabrics are great for curtains! I love your linen curtains! How did you land on linen curtains? What do your recommend for curtain rods? I respect your thoughts! Please help!

I know everyone needs some time off, no pressure....but I am beginning to miss the beautiful photos of NH , the house and Ella too. Hoping to see a Holiday photo of your beautiful house soon, if not Have a Happy Holiday and wonderful New year. Until.....

Hello from Tulsa! You sure have quite the following who respect your intermission... but coming from an impatient Okie :)... j/k. I hope you're having a wonderful time away from blogworld. I do look forward to some snow pics and holiday decor in your beautiful home! You're not missing anything in middle Amerrrrrica. Dead looking trees, no snow, grass fires and frigid wind. Your beautiful pics take me to another land. Take your time, your readers will be here waiting. Happy holidays to you, Dan and Ella!

Wasn't able to access a computer for awhile, then saw that you had taken a "blog" vacation. Loved all your posts so much. Please enjoy your time and know that we can't wait for you to post again. Your house is just divine.

You are two years ahead of me in terms of length of blog writing. I am just coming up to my second year anniversary. But I am ahead of you on length of time before taking a break. ..I have just taken a break. Will look forward to seeing you back, refreshed and energized!

Don't ask me why but I was making my bed the other day and thought of you and your blog.....since I receive your post via email. I actually forgot you were on a break so I'm glad I checked in to make sure all was indeed "legal" as in you did inform us so its OK:)Happy Holidays......sherry

Hi Joan. You're enjoying your down time from blogging I hope. Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you this evening. In fact, I was reviewing past comments on my blog, and yours are some of my favorites, especially the ones you've left about my dogs. How's Ella? Hope all's well with you and Dan, and that you're enjoying the holiday season. Looking forward to your next post,Claudia

I have found your blog via Pinterest some how, lol. I am so thankful to have found you and to read of your journey of remodeling. We are in the process of purchasing a small acreage with a run down house and barns. I am so scared of all the work to come. Mind you, I'm not lazy by no means,but realize the magnitude of my future several years. I love what you have done. I love your taste and design. I only wished you could be my designer. I have difficulty putting the things I like in motion. So in the mean time, I'll continue to pin your pictures to my Pinterest wall. Merry Christmas!

Hello Joan. I have recently found your blog and went back to read it from the beginning. My husband and I bought our old farmhouse 8 years ago in our mid-twenties in Hudson Valley, NY. If we had known then...... :) It has needed a lot of love (and continues to need more) . Your pictures and entries (good,bad and ugly) of old home repair, renovation, landscaping and decorating are inspirational. This past weekend we created an updated house "to do" list. Thank you for your wonderful blog - I hope I can continue reading about your wonderful house adventures for many years to come. -Rachel

I just finished reading your whole blog and I enjoyed it tremendously! You certainly have a talent for decorating a home. If you ever decide to open an antiques shop in NH I will be there in a flash. You have great taste and I probably would have to save up a lot of money before I came to shop. :) waiting anxiously for your return (I should have read slower, but couldn't stop reading). Have a great New Year.

So, this is why I've been missing you! I never saw this post. Our dog died unexpectedly a few days before you wrote this, and I dropped out of the blogworld for a while. Now, we've got a new puppy which leaves me virtually no time for blogging. I forgot how high maintenance those cute pups are :)

Anyway, happy new year to you! I hope you are well. Enjoy your break, and I'll "see" you when you get back :)

Happy New Year for all of you. I miss you, and Dan, and Ella, and Big Blue, and the snow, and the beatiful pictures, and the stones, and the fences, and the windows, and the stunning light you have there....

LinkWithin

"when every corner speaks of possibility I know that I am home." -unknown-

Ten years ago I could not have even pointed out New Hampshire on a map, but here we are. Six years ago, after living for 15 years in the beehive that is Dallas, Dan and I finally escaped and landed in a very small town in New Hampshire that doesn't even have a traffic light. Perfection! Our move was a huge risk, but it has paid off with dividends and we absolutely love it here. I think we are really Yankees at heart. If you've never been to New England I cannot describe it with adequate words, you really just have to experience it. It is like no other part of the country. Its beauty matches our beloved Colorado, Oregon, and Washington and its spirit (Live Free or Die) is reminiscent of Texas, and the people... well, we have found them to be most genuine. In essence... we feel as if we have arrived home!

joan

ella...

photo by David McCaughan

Looking for something?! Search here:

Loading...

Follow "fortheloveofahouse" on Instagram where I share random snapshots of our life

the entry

the living room

the kitchen

the dining room

the reading room

the master bedroom

the master bath

the North guest room

the South guest room

the guest bath

the barn room

the barn half bath

the barn mud room

With the eyes to see it and the hands to create it, we can recover the home that the soul desires.
-A. Lawlor-

to send a note, mail to...

fortheloveofahouse@comcast.net

my lunch with the fabulous Bunny Williams...

my paint and stain colors:

It's a house with rooms that reflect a place, a feeling, a memory of the past.-unknown-

Simplicity-Making your life a creative work of art. A great piece of art is composed not just of what is in the final piece, but equally important, what is not. It is the discipline to discard what does not fit- to cut out what might have already cost days or even years of effort.